During FY 2012, EDA awarded 47 grants totaling approximately $21.2 million throughout the State of Texas. These investments supported training facilities to help Texans gain new higher-paying employment in fire safety; engineering and science; health care; and industrial technology. According to grantee estimates, the investments in Texas will create or retain 6,144 jobs.

Investment Spotlight: EDA Invests in New Energy Jobs

With an area 400 miles long and 50 miles wide, the Eagle Ford Shale hydrocarbon formation in south Texas could potentially produce billions of barrels of oil and natural gas. First drilled in 2008, the Eagle Ford Shale produced more than 13 million barrels of oil from January to October of 2011 alone. As a result, the State of Texas is experiencing a significant economic boom.

While bringing in significant private investment and jobs, this new drilling has caused substantial disruption to the communities affected who struggle to deal with the economic dynamics of the boom. To assist local communities in South Texas in positioning themselves to take advantage of opportunities resulting from the oil and gas exploration in the Eagle Ford Shale formation, EDA invested $1 million in September 2012, in the Eagle Ford Shale Community Development Program at the University of Texas at San Antonio. With a focus on strategic planning, leadership training, a regional conference, outreach, and technical assistance programs, communities will be able to diversify their economic base and ensure the long-term sustainability of recent economic gains.